Find Freedom w/ 14 Bible Verses About Forgiveness!

by Kassidy Griffin

Forgiveness has been a significant part of my life, both as a child and an adult. It’s so easy to brush it aside and let bitterness set in (Hebrews 12:15), but that is not the Jesus way. I don’t know about you, but carrying around the load of anger at friends or family is a heavy burden that I don’t want to have.

I have been graced with the opportunity to practice biblical forgiveness, and with each repetition, it has become easier and more natural. Forgiveness is a profound act, not only helping the individual who was wronged find peace but also allowing the person who wronged them to be reconciled.

We are called to walk the narrow path (Matthew 7:13)—a path that often includes forgiving those who have hurt us.

Thankfully, there are many Bible verses about forgiveness that can help us on our journey toward peace and freedom. Here I will explore some of these powerful passages which remind us of God’s grace and mercy toward all people.

What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?

Forgiveness is an important lesson taught throughout the gospels, and it can be incredibly difficult to do when somebody has wronged us. However, offering forgiveness to those who have hurt us is an important part of healing and personal growth.

In Matthew 6:14 Jesus taught, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you (KJV).“

I think about how many times God has forgiven my sins, and it makes me realize that I should forgive others who have wronged me. Forgiveness is a gift that was paid with Jesus’s blood, so we should not hold onto it but freely give it to others who have offended us.

Bible Verses About God’s Forgiveness

There are so many great Bible verses about forgiveness. Here are some scriptures on forgiving others. I pray that these will encourage you to seek out God’s wisdom and find true peace that only He offers.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 KJV

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, And their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” – Hebrews 8:12 KJV

“To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against him.” – Daniel 9:9 KJV

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” – Ephesians 1:7 KJV

“For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” – Matthew 26:28 KJV

Bible Verses About Forgiving Others

The commandment from Jesus – “That ye love one another, as I have loved you” – John 15:12 (KJV) – is one of the fundamental tenets of Christianity. This mandate promotes compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, even amongst those by whom we have been wronged. 

We are called to love each other even through our imperfections. Our sinful nature requires us to always come back to this commandment. One of the biggest ways you can show this love is by forgiving those who hurt you.

Forgiveness is an intentional choice, not an automatic response. – Kassidy Griffin Share on X

Here are some Bible verses on forgiving others. I encourage you to memorize some of these forgiveness Bible quotes to help you when different situations arise.

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13 KJV 

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18: 21-22 KJV

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25 KJV

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44 KJV.

Prayer is the most powerful step we can take to forgive others, as you can see in Mark 11 and Matthew 5. It can be hard to swallow back the anger and pain in the beginning, but you will be amazed at how quickly God works on your heart when you take this step of faith.

{Related – “What Does the Bible Say About Faith“}

Proverbs About Forgiveness

The book of Proverbs was most likely written by King Solomon, who is known as the wisest man who ever lived. Despite being wise, he still struggled with sin and understood all too well God’s forgiveness.

As such, his writings in Proverbs offer invaluable insight into the power of forgiveness and how it can help bring more light into our own lives and situations.

Here are some of King Solomon’s most powerful forgiveness Bible quotes that we can all learn from.

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1 KJV

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13 KJV

“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” – Proverbs 17:9 KJV

“Hatred stirreth up strifes: But love covereth all sins.” – Proverbs 10:12 KJV

The Power of Forgiveness in the Bible

Forgiveness is a powerful act that should not be taken lightly. When we forgive others, and ourselves, it can lead to healing of past hurts and allow us to move forward in life with grace.

It does not mean forgetting what happened or excusing the wrongdoings. Rather, it means releasing our own negative feelings towards them, so we don’t hold onto grudges as defense mechanisms. Because God has called for forgiveness from His people, as Christians, this is an important part of following God’s word.

When it comes to forgiveness, it is important to remember that it is a process, not something that just happens overnight. Forgiveness can send a powerful message of acceptance and compassion and help repair relationships; however, it does not necessarily mean you must trust the person right away or let them continue to hurt you. Trust is earned over time and it is okay to take a step back if you need some space to heal.

At the end of the day, forgiveness does not mean you must keep someone in your life if they continue to hurt or disrespect you. You can forgive them while also making wise decisions for yourself and your well-being. Remember that forgiving someone does not always have to be accompanied by two-sided reconciliation and can be a powerful act of love.

Forgiveness does not mean you must keep someone in your life if they continue to hurt or disrespect you. – Kassidy Griffin Share on X

If you are struggling with forgiving someone else for something that has happened in your life, remember that there is power in being forgiven and forgiving others—and start by trusting God to provide the healing along the journey.

Taking time with God in prayer can give your life renewed purpose and hope. Make a commitment to yourself to forgive those who have wronged you and take part in a daily conversation with our Creator.

How has forgiveness changed your life? Comment below and let us know!

Follow Catching Courage!

• 
• 
•